tribute

[trib-yoot]

noun

1. a gift, testimonial, compliment, or the like, given as due or in acknowledgment of gratitude or esteem.

   Synonyms: eulogy, commendation, recognition

2. a stated sum or other valuable consideration paid by one sovereign or state to another in acknowledgment of subjugation or as the price of peace, security, protection, or the like.

3. a rent, tax, or the like, as that paid by a subject to a sovereign.

4. any exacted or enforced payment or contribution.

   Synonyms: duty, impost, toll, levy

5. obligation or liability to make such payment.

tribute

/ ˈtrɪbjuːt /

noun

1. a gift or statement made in acknowledgment, gratitude, or admiration

2. 1. a payment by one ruler or state to another, usually as an acknowledgment of submission

   2. any tax levied for such a payment

3. (in feudal society) homage or a payment rendered by a vassal to his lord

4. the obligation to pay tribute

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English tribut, from Latin tribūtum “levied payment,” noun use of neuter past participle of tribuere “to assign, allot,” verb derivative of tribus tribe

Word History and Origins

Origin of tribute¹

C14: from Latin tribūtum , from tribuere to grant (originally: to distribute among the tribes), from tribus _tribe

Example Sentences

He did, though, start his testimony this week with a tribute to David Rose, the police officer who died in the shooting.

From BBC

Judge Simon Mayo KC paid tribute to the "remarkable dignity and composure" of Mr Lucima's family, who sat through the five-month trial.

From BBC

Paying tribute to his long-term personal and business partner, Armani said that "he helped me believe in my own work, in my energy".

From BBC

Donatella Versace paid tribute to the late designer on her Instagram page, posting a picture of him, saying: "The world lost a giant today, he made history and will be remembered forever."

From BBC

The day before a private funeral Osbourne's family organised for a public procession to go through his home city, stopping at the bridge where they added pink roses to the tributes.

From BBC

Related Words

• accolade 
• appreciation 
• compliment 
• eulogy 
• gift 
• gratitude 
• honor 
• memorial 
• recognition 
• respect